When you’re ill or sleeping poorly, it shows on your face, particularly in your eyes. Your upper lids can droop while puffiness appears below your eyes. For some people, these conditions take hold as they get older, creating a tired look that can mask their chronological age. In extreme cases, drooping eyelids can interfere with your vision.
Blepharoplasty may be the answer if you’re unhappy with the effects of aging on your eyelids. Covering a range of eyelid procedures, blepharoplasty was the second most common cosmetic surgery performed in 2020. Transcutaneous approaches to eyelid surgery have decades of successful results.
Radiance Wellness MediSpa is overseen by Dr. Carrie L. Morris, a renowned innovator and experienced oculofacial plastic surgeon and your best choice for transcutaneous lower eyelid blepharoplasty as well as upper eyelid blepharoplasty in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, area.
The best outcomes require preparations by both patient and surgeon. Keep these points in mind once you decide to pursue the benefits of eyelid surgery.
The scope of blepharoplasty
Eyelid procedures can be performed on the upper or lower eyelid, and you may benefit most from combination surgery. Blepharoplasty is customized in each case, matching the surgery to your needs as a patient. Transcutaneous blepharoplasty entails making an incision in the skin, very close to your lashes.
Preparing for eyelid surgery
Dr. Morris and her team give you specific instructions for surgical preparation, and these always take priority. Many of the steps and considerations will be similar to those discussed here.
Plan for recovery
Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital because the anesthetics you’ll receive will leave you tired and unable to drive yourself home. This fatigue is normal, and there’s no need to fight it. Resting is the best activity in the early stages of your recovery.
Consider in advance what you can do now to make life easier as you recover your procedure. This can include things like:
- Enlisting friends and family to help with aspects of everyday life over the first few days of recovery, such as child or pet care
- Pre-fill prescriptions for medications you’ll need after surgery
- Prepare a “recovery room” that’s arranged to have essentials nearby the bed and chair you’ll use for post-procedure rest
- Arrange for nonvisual entertainment to fill your waking hours, such as audio books, music, and podcasts
- Dress for comfort with button-down shirts that you don’t have to pull over your head, and have robes, slippers, and lounge wear close by for easy access
- Prepare meals before your surgery, or stock up with easy to make items like soups and frozen entrees
Anything that makes your life easier and more comfortable in the first few days after surgery is likely worth the preparation time. Give your body priority time to heal.
Physical preparation
Your body works better and recovers faster if it’s prepared for eyelid surgery recovery, too. If you smoke, stop at least two weeks before your procedure. Abstaining from tobacco use throughout your recovery limits the negative effects of nicotine on blood flow, which can slow healing and even introduce complications.
Similarly, stop alcohol use a week before surgery because it has an influence on the way your blood vessels work. Healthy blood flow is essential to fast recovery. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and some herbal supplements can thin your blood, so you should also avoid these during the time before your procedure.
You’ll be pleased with the outcome of your blepharoplasty, when your eyes again look as alert and alive as you feel. Book your initial consultation with Dr. Morris by phone or online, at the most convenient location of Radiance Wellness MediSpa.